Parenting is one of the hardest jobs ever granted to humans.
 Without manual or formal instruction, those of us who are parents are given the massive responsibility of raising a child from infancy to adulthood, and shaping them for their adult lives.
 As tough as this job is, when you are a single mother the challenge is even more exponential in scope.
 Often, single mothers must balance work and mothering time and still have some self care time carved out to be healthy.
 Here are 3 strategies for maintaining well being when you are parenting alone: 1.
       Take good care of yourself.
 Make sure that physically, you are staying as healthy as possible.
 The demands of single motherhood in terms of energy and emotional strength are enormous, so be sure you are caring for the structure that allows you to keep going.
 Eat well, including whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
 Try supplements if needed, starting with a food based multivitamin and fish oil.
 Consult your doctor and implement a regular exercise program.
 It may not seem as if there is much time - but be sure to take it, as it will make you more effective in other areas of your life.
2.
      Develop and engage with your support network.
 Spend time around trusted friends and family as much as possible.
 This gives you a feeling or support, community, and solidarity that can disappear of you are isolating yourself.
 Counselors and coaches can also be excellent professional resources if you are looking for a trained, directed, higher impact approach or if you have problems that seem unmanageable.
  3.
      Do one kind or indulgent thing for yourself each day, in a gesture of care and concern exclusively for you.
 Make a list of small activities or gifts you really like, then choose one daily to do.
 Keep up this list and add to it.